Latinos celebrate Thanksgiving

For some, celebrating Thanksgiving without Tabasco or tortillas is not really a celebration.

On Thursday, millions of families will assemble around the dinner table and give thanks for what they have received. But to some first-generation Latinos, this is a tradition they only know through watching television.

At UNC, there are a lot of Latinos that have been celebrating Thanksgiving for years.

Adrian Rodriguez, who was born in Mexico City, said that his family celebrates the American tradition by the book.

“In my house we do eat turkey, and we celebrate,” said Rodriguez, who has been living in the U.S. for five years.

Others have adopted the tradition with a dose of Latin flair.

Daniel Guevara, a Guatemala native, said that since he came to the U.S. five years ago, he has celebrated Thanksgiving Day with his country’s typical meals.

“We eat sausages and corn,” Guevara said. “We also have a few beers.”

But Guevara hasn’t forgotten about the celebration’s utmost reason.

“The first thing I do is thank God for all he’s given me,” he said.

Maria Isabel Eraso moved to the U.S. from Honduras 12 years ago, and since then she has celebrated Thanksgiving with other Latinos and with large amounts of food.

“Everyone takes what’s typical in their country, and that’s how we spend the day,” Eraso said.

 While a lot of Latinos copy the tradition, others simply enjoy having the day off.

Others haven’t ever celebrated the holiday, as is the case of Beatriz Alfonsa.

Alfonsa, who was born in Mexico, arrived to this country 25 years ago but has never celebrated Thanksgiving.

“I only cook turkey if someone gives one to me, otherwise I won’t,” Alfonsa said. “I’d rather stay at home sleeping.”

Although some Latinos don’t see the point of celebrating the traditional American holiday, others said it’s important to be able to assimilate.

Rodriguez said he believes it’s important that Latinos celebrate Thanksgiving so that they don’t isolate themselves from the American culture.

“Once you’re here, you have to fit in,” he said.

The Thanksgiving Day tradition is based on the celebration of the first harvest that the Pilgrims had in Massachusetts in 1621.



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